PHILOSOPHY

Syllabus

PAPER - I

History and Problems of Philosophy :

1. Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter;
Causation; Actuality and Potentiality.
2. Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz): Cartesian Method and
Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism;
Determinism and Freedom.
3. Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge;
Substance and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism.
4. Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space and
Time; Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique of
Proofs for the Existence of GodHegel: Dialectical Method;
Absolute Idealism
5. Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of
Commonsense; Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism; Logical
Constructions; Incomplete Symbols; Picture Theory of Meaning;
Saying and Showing.
6. Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of
Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions.
7. Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games;
Critique of Private Language.
8. Phenomenology (Husserl): Method; Theory of Essences;
Avoidance of Psychologism.

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9. Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and
Essence; Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence; Being-
in-the –world and Temporality.
10. Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic
Particulars and Persons.
11. Cārvāka : Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of Transcendent
Entities.
12. Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhaňginaya; Bondage and
Liberation.
13. Schools of Buddhism ; Pratītyasamutpāda; Ksanikavada,
Nairātmyavāda
14. Nyāya- Vaiśesika: Theory of Categories; Theory of Appearance;
Theory of Pramāna; Self, Liberation; God; Proofs for the
Existence of God; Theory of Causation; Atomistic Theory of
Creation.
15. Sāmkhya: Prakrti; Purusa; Causation; Liberation
16. Yoga: Citta; Cittavrtti; Klesas; Samadhi; Kaivalya.
17. Mimāmsā: Theory of Knowledge
18. Schools of Vedānta: Brahman; Īśvara; Ātman; Jiva; Jagat; Māyā;
Avidyā; Adhyāsa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi; Pancavidhabheda
19. Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.

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 PAPER – II

Socio-Political Philosophy
1. Social and Political Ideals: Equality, Justice, Liberty.
2. Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.
3. Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability
4. Forms of Government: Monarchy; Theocracy and
Democracy.
5. Political Ideologies: Anarchism; Marxism and Socialism
6. Humanism; Secularism; Multiculturalism.
7. Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence,
Genocide, Capital Punishment.
8. Development and Social Progress.
9. Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and
Property Rights; Empowernment.
10. Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar

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Philosophy of Religion:
1. Notions of God: Attributes; Relation to Man and the
World. (Indian and Western).
2. Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian
and Western).
3. Problem of Evil.
4. Soul: Immortality; Rebirth and Liberation.
5. Reason, Revelation and Faith.
6. Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and
Western).
7. Religion without God.
8. Religion and Morality.
9. Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth.
10. Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic;
11. Cognitivist and Non- cognitive.

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 WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
1. Plato and Aristotle: Ideas; Substance; Form and Matter;
Causation;
Actuality and Potentiality
1. Aristotle’s distinction between ‘actuality’ and
‘potentiality’.(2015/10)
2. Explain Plato’s theory of forms? Does it entail a kind of
essentialism?Discuss.(2015/20)
3. Explain the significance of Aristotle’s doctrine of form &
matter in his theory of causation. (2014/15)
4. Discuss between knowledge and belief according to Plato.
How is it based on his metaphysics ? Explain.(2014/20)
5. Explain Plato’s ontological theory of Forms. Is knowledge one
of the Forms ? Explain. (2013: 12 ½)
6. Discuss how by refuting different concepts of Substances
Aristotle establishes his own theory of a Substance ?
(2013/10)
7. Discuss Aristotle’s metaphysical theory as a polemic against
Plato’s theory of ideas.(2012/15)
8. How does Plato relate the world of ideas to the empirical
world? Discuss. (2011/15)
9. How does Aristotle’s notion of causation defer from the
modern notion of causation. (2010/15)
10. Comment on - Plato’s analogy of the cave and its significance
in his theory of knowledge. (2009/20)
11. Aristotle’s teleological conception of causation. Short Notes
(2008/20)

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 12. Plato’s recollection theory of knowledge. Short Notes.
(2007/20)
13. Discuss the ‘theory of matter’ according to Aristotle. Short
Notes. (2006/20)
14. Distinction between opinion and knowledge. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
15. State and discuss Plato’s theory of forms. (2004/60)
16. ‘A universal exists only in the particular’. Discuss in this
connection Aristotle’s notion of universal and the idea of
substance that follows it. (2003/60)
17. ‘While Plato’s metaphysics is a visionary one, Aristotle’s
metaphysics is a descriptive one.’ Explain fully giving the
essential differences between the views of the two thinkers
regarding the nature of reality. (2002/60)

2. Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz): Cartesian Method and

Certain Knowledge; Substance; God; Mind-Body Dualism;
Determinism and Freedom.
1. Explain Leibnitz’s principle of ‘ identity of indescernibles’.
(2015/15)
2. Does Descartes cogito principle entail that he is an
essentialist?Discuss.(2015/15)
3. Explain the doctrine of Cartesian Dualism and examine
critically arguments in favour of it. (2014/15)
4. Does Leibnitz’s theory of pre-established harmony necessarily
lead to determinism ? Discuss. (2014/10)
5. Write a short critical essay on Spinoza’s conception of
freedom of an individual.(2013/12 ½)

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6. Explain Descarte’s method of doubt. Can this method be used
to justify his belief in the existence of God ?Argue your
case.(2013/12 ½)
7. Give a critical account of Leibnitz’s principle of the identity of
indiscernibles. (2013/12 ½)
8. Does Monadology sufficiently exlainthe nature of Substance ?
Are monads independent of each other ? Expain.(2012/15)
9. Does Leibnitz succeed in combining the mechanical with the
teleological view of the world? Explain his theory of Pre-
Established Harmony.(2012/15)
10. If ‘ Every determination is negation ‘ then how can Substance
have attributes ? Explain. (2012/15)
11. How does Descartes’ ‘cogito ergo sum’ affect Hume and Kant’s
transcendental philosophy? Explain (2012/12)
12. Is the concept of freedom consistent with the theory of
determinism of Spinoza? Support your answer with
arguments. (2011/30)
13. Why does Descartes not doubt the existence of God? Explain.
(2011/15)
14. Why does Spinoza think that God alone is absolutely real?
Explain. (2010/20)
15. Interactionism in the philosophical context. Short notes
(2009/20)
16. Compare the views of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept of
substance. (2009/30)
17. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom.
(2009/30)
18. Explain Leibnitz’s notion of monad. Can monad be regarded as
a basic particular in the Strawsonian sense? (2008/60)
19. Discuss Descarte’s Dualism. (2006/60)

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 20. Explain Spinoza’s theory of Substance. (2006/60)
21. Mind and Body as two interacting substances. Short notes.
(2005/20)
22. Spinoza’s conception of the Ultimate Substance. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
23. ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Short Notes. (2004/20)
24. State and critically examine Spinoza’s doctrine of the identity
of the Substance, God and nature. (2002/60)

3. Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume): Theory of Knowledge;

Substance and Qualities; Self and God; Scepticism
1. esse est percipi.(2015/10)
2. Evaluate critically Hume’s criticism of theory of
causation.(2014/15)
3. Give a critical account of Hume’s theory of self. (2013/12 ½)
4. Critically examine John Locke’s categorization of primary and
secondary qualities and explain the problem it posed for later
empiricist.(2012/15)
5. If ‘to be is to be perceived’ then how does Berkeley explain
the permanence of things ? (2012/15)
6. Was Hume skeptic ? If not then what is his contribution to
philosophy ? (2012/15)
7. John Locke said that ‘ No man’s knowledge can go beyond his
experience’. Discuss critically the implications of this
statement.(2012/12)
8. What, according to Empiricists is the concept of Substance?
Discuss. (2011/20)

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 9. What metaphysical implications can be derived from
Berkeley’s statement “Esse Est Percipi”. (2010/30)
10. Does Hume deny the possibility of knowledge? Discuss.
(2010/15)
11. “To be is to be perceived”. Discuss. (2009/20)
12. Compare the view of Leibnitz and Hume on the concept of
substance. (2009/30)
13. Hume and Kant on metaphysics. Short notes. (2008/20)
14. State and discuss Locke’s views on Substance. (2007/60)
15. Explain the theory of knowledge according to Locke. Short
Notes. (2006/20)
16. Discuss Hume’s Scepticism. (2006/60)
17. Hume’s views on Induction. Short Notes. (2004/20)
18. To be is to be perceived. Short Notes. (2003/20)
19. Hume’s Phenomenalism. Short Notes. (2002/20)

4. Kant: Possibility of Synthetic a priori Judgments; Space and Time;

Categories; Ideas of Reason; Antinomies; Critique of Proofs for the
Existence of God
1. Explain Kant’s division of categories.(2015/20).
2. How are synthetic apriori judgement justifiable according to
kant? Explain. (2014/10)
3. Explain Kant’s view of causality. How far is Kant able to answer
Hume’s objection that causal relation lacks logical
necessity.(2013 : 12 ½)
4. What is Antinomy ? Describe the major antinomies discussed
by Kant. (2013/10)

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 5. Why Kant’s philosophy known as Copernicus revolution in
metaphysics? What was revolutionary about Kantian
philosophy? Give reasons for it.(2012/15)
6. “Hume aroused me from my dogmatic slumber”. In what
context Kant has made this statement? Explain. (2011/20)
7. What is the basic difference between Leibniz and Kant on the
concept of space and time? (2010/30)
8. Why does Kant say that existence is not a predicate?
(2010/15)
9. Comment on Kant’s objections against the ontological
argument for the existence of God. (2009/20)
10. Hume and Kant on Metaphysics. Short Notes. (2008/20)
11. Nature of synthetic a-priory judgment according to Kant. Short
Notes. (2007/20)
12. Explain Kant’s criticism of the proofs for the existence of God.
Short Notes. (2006/20)
13. How does Kant respond to Hume’s scepticism? (2005/60)
14. The significance of Kant’s distinction between phenomena and
noumena. Notes. (2004/20)
15. How is synthetic apriori judgment possible? Short Notes.
(2003/20)
16. ‘Kant’s “Critical Philosophy” is a reconciliation between
Rationalism and Empiricism.’ Elucidate the remark fully and
bring out the consequence of such a reconciliation for the
possibility of traditional metaphysics. (2002/60)

5. Hegel: Dialectical Method; Absolute Idealism

1. Comment : ‘ Movement is contradiction itself ’ Examine in this
context Hegel’s dialectical method . (2013/12 ½)

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 2. Explain Hegelian dialectical method and show how it is useful
in explaining the historical development process ? (2012/15)
3. “The rational is real and the real is rational”. Short notes
(2009/20)
4. Hegal’s Dialectical method. Short Notes. (2007/20)
5. Critically discuss the Hegal’s Dialectical method. Short Notes.
(2006/20)
6. Hegal’s Dialectical Method. Short notes. (2002/20)

6.Moore, Russell and Early Wittgenstein: Defence of Commonsense;

Refutation of Idealism; Logical Atomism; Logical Constructions;
Incomplete Symbols; Picture Theory of Meaning; Saying and
Showing.
1. G.E.Moore’s refutationof idealism.(2015/10)
2. What do you understand by incomplete symbols? What role
do they play in Russell’s theory of meaning?(2015/15)
3. Are G.E.Moore’s arguments in defence of common sense
satisfactory. Give reasons.(2014/15)
4. Why does Wittgenstein disagree Bertrand Russell’s
interpretation of atomism in the philosophy of Tractatus ?
Discuss (2014/15)
5. Distinguish between atomic and general proposition. Show
how they are justified true . (2013 / 12 ½)
6. Comment : ‘ Moore’s defence of common sense essentially is
defence of common language ’ (2013/12 ½)
7. Explain the theory of definite descriptions according to
Russell.(2012/15)
8. Are the arguments given by G.E. Moore against Idealism
adequate? Give reasons for your answer. (2011/30)

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 9. What is Russell’s idea of ‘Incomplete symbols’ in his theory of
description? Discuss. (2011/15)
10. What does Moore want to establish when he asserts that
propositions like “Earth exists or we have consciousness” are
truism? Discuss. (2010/20)
11. Explain the theory of logical construction. Does it provide a
satisfactory account of knowledge?(2008/60)
12. State and discuss Russell’s analysis of Definite Descriptions.
(2007/60)
13. Critically discuss Moore’s Refutation of Idealism. (2004/60)
14. Distinction between ‘saying’ and ‘showing’. Short Notes.
(2004/20)
15. What is Russel’s Logical atomism? Bring out in this connection
the conception ormetaphysics involved in it. (2003/60)
16. Moore’s Defense of Common-Sense. Short Notes. (2002/20)

7. Logical Positivism: Verification Theory of Meaning; Rejection of

Metaphysics; Linguistic Theory of Necessary Propositions
1. Are empirical statements verifiable ? Discuss the limitations of
‘ verification theory of meaning’. (2014/20)
2. Distinguish necessary from empirical proposition. How is
necessary proposition is justified? Explain (2013/10)
3. ‘Logical Positivism broadly claims that metaphysics and
theology are meaningless because they are neither matters of
logic nor verifiable empirically.’ Critically examine. (2012/12)
4. Discuss the limitations of verification theory. (2011/20)
5. Are necessary propositions linguistic by nature? Discuss in the
light of logical positivism. (2010/20)

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 6. Examine how Ayer eliminates metaphysics. (2009/30)
7. Elimination of metaphysics at the hands Logical Positivists.
Short Notes. (2007/20)
8. State and discuss the logical positivist’s attempts to eliminate
metaphysics. (2005/60)

8. Later Wittgenstein: Meaning and Use; Language-games; Critique

of Private Language.
1. Bring out the relationship between language games and forms
of life.(2015/20)
2. Bring out the significance of ‘Language Games’ in
Wittgenstein’s Use theory of meaning. (2014/10)
3. Explain Wittgenstein’s arguments against the possibility of
private language.(2013/10)
4. According to Wittgenstein ‘Philosophy is a battle against
bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language’.
Explain the function of philosophy in the above
context.(2012/12)
5. “Meaning of the word lies in its use”. Explain in detail.
(2011/30)
6. Are tautologies meaning according to Wittgenstein? (2010/15)
7. Wittgenstein’s notion of language-game. (2008/20)

9. Phenomenology (Husserl):Method; Theory of Essences; Avoidance

of Psychologism.
1. Husserl’s notion of ‘bracketing’.(2015/10)
2. Explain the significance of ‘bracketing’ in Husserl
Phenomenology. (2014/10)

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 3. What, according to Husserl is Intentionality? Discuss its role in
arriving at the meaning of object. (2011/30)
4. What is the notion of transcendental ego according to
Husserl? How is it differentfrom Sarte’s notion of the ego?
(2008/60)
5. What is ‘epoche’? Bring out its significance for Husserl’s
conception of rigorous science. (2005/60)
6. Discuss Husserl’s conception of philosophy as rigorous science.
(2003/60)

10. Existentialism (Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger): Existence and

Essence; Choice, Responsibility and Authentic Existence; Being-in-
the-world and Temporality.
1. Discuss why Heidegger introduces the concept of Dasein in his
metaphysics.(2015/15)
2. Bring out the relationship between existence and essence in
case of human being.Explain the issuesit gives rise to for
human beings according to Sartre.(2015/15)
3. Explain Kierkegaard’s concept of choice. How does the
concept of choice in metaethics differ from normative ethics?
Explain.(2014/20)
4. State and evaluate Heidegger’s claim that temporality is the
horizon against which the being of any entity is understood.
(2014/15)
5. Examine Sartre’s distinction between Being-for-itself and
Being-in-itself. (2013/12 ½)
6. Analyse Kierkegard’s concept of choice. Can there be , in his
view , correct or incorrect choice ? Discuss. (2013/12 ½)
7. Elucidate Existentialism and indicate its strong and weak
points in your own words.(2012/15)

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 8. Soren Kierkegaard clarified that “ The function of prayers is
not to influence God but rather to change the nature of one
who prays.” Comment on this statement.(2012/12)
9. “I am responsible for myself and for everyone else.” Discuss
this statement in the light of Sartre’s existentialism. (2011/15)
10. How is the empirical ego and Heidegger different from the
transcendent ego in Husserl? (2010/30)
11. Compare the views of Spinoza and Sartre on Freedom.
(2009/30)
12. “Existence precedes essence”. Comment. (2009/20)
13. Heidegger’s contention that essence of “Dasein is its
existence” .Short notes. (2008/20)
14. Discuss Sartre’s conception of freedom. (2004/60)
15. Existence precedes essence. Short Notes. (2003/20)

11. Quine and Strawson: Critique of Empiricism; Theory of Basic

Particulars and Persons.
1. Strawson’s distinction between ‘M’ and ‘P’
predicates.(2015/10)
2. Elucidate Quine’s arguments to show that analyticity is not
synonymity.(2015/15)
3. How far are Quine’s arguments in ‘two dogmasof empiricism’
justified ? Discuss. (2014/10)
4. Explain and evaluate Strawson’s arguments for his conception
of the nature of Person. (2013/10)
5. Explain critically Quine’s rejection of the analytic synthetic
distinction and his subsequent philosophical
arguments.(2012/15)
6. Is Strawson’s concept of person a refutation of Hume’s
concept of self? Discuss. (2010/30)

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7. What are Quine’s objections with regards to the verification
theory of meaning? (2009/30)
8. State and discuss Strawson’s theory of Person. (2007/60)
9. Quine’s criticism of analytic-synthetic distinction. Short Notes.
(2005/20)
10. Strawson’s notion of person as primitive. Notes. (2003/20)
11. Quine’s attack on Analytic-Synthetic Distinction. Short Notes.
(2002/20)

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 INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
12. Cārvāka: Theory of Knowledge; Rejection of Transcendent
Entities.
1. Explain the the arguments of carvaka to reject transcendental
entities.(2015/15)
2. “Limits of knowledge and world are determined by my sense
perception”. Discuss this claim of Carvaka.(2014/10)
3. Why do Carvaka do not believe in the validity of inference ?
What logic do they give for their belief ? (2012/15)
4. On what basis does Carvaka reject the cause-effect
relationship ? (2012/15)
5. Why do Carvakas reject the concept of Akasa. Discuss.
(2011/30)
6. Just as the skepticism of Hume helped Kant to come out of his
dogmatic slumber, so also the Carvaka philosophy saved
Indian philosophy from dogmatism. Discuss. (2010/20)
7. Carvaka’s views on the nature of soul. Short Notes. (2007/20)
8. Discuss the theory of knowledge, according to Charvaka
Philosophy. Notes. (2006/60)
9. Dehatmavada of Carvakas. Short Notes. (2004/20)
10. Charvak’s refutation of anumana is itself a process of
anumana. Discuss. (2003/60)
11. State and evaluate critically Carvaka’s view that perception is
the only valid source ofknowledge. (2002/20)
12. The Charvak theory of consciousness. Short Notes. (2001)

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13. Jainism: Theory of Reality; Saptabhanginaya; Bondage and
Liberation.
1. Jain concept of Dravya.(2015/10)
2. What do samvara and nirjara mean?Explain their significance
in Jaina theory of liberation.(2015/15)
3. Explain the concept of Karma and discuss various types of
according to Jaina philosophy. (2014/15)
4. Analyse the relation between the theory of Saptabhanginaya
and Anekantvada. ( 2013/10)
5. Critically evaluate Jaina doctrine of relative pluralism or
Anekantvada ? (2012/15)
6. Why is Saptabhangi Naya not treated as a doctrine of
Scepticism? Discuss. (2011/20)
7. What according to Jainism is Path to Liberation? Discuss.
(2011/15)
8. Is syadvada a self-contradictory doctrine? Discuss. (2010/30)
9. Anekantavada. Short Notes. (2009/20)
10. Nature of Pudgala in Jaina philosophy. Short Notes. (2007/20)
11. Explain the theory of Substance according to Jainism. Short
Notes. (2006/20)
12. Jaina Definition of Dravya. Short Notes. (2005/20)
13. State and discuss the Jaina Doctrine of jiva. (2004/60)
14. Expound anekantvada of Jainism. It is a consistent theory of
reality? Give reasons. (2003/60)
15. Relation between anekantvada and saptabhanginaya. Notes.
(2001)

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14. Schools of Buddhism; Pratītyasamutpāda; Ksanikavada,
Nairātmyavāda
1. Alayavijnana (2015/10)
2. What is the role of Pratityasamutpada in explaining
dukkha?Elucidate means to overcome it.(2015/15)
3. How does Nagarjuna explain the concept of sunyata ? (
2014/15)
4. Bring out the epistemological difference between Sautrantika
and Vaibhasika school of Buddhism. (2104/10)
5. Explain the Buddhist notion of ‘Impermanence’ and show how
the idea of Impermanence leads to theory of momentariness
of reality.(2013/10)
6. Comment : ‘ Accepting Shunyavada makes one indifferent to
the pursuit of dharma’. Examine in this context , Nagarjuna’s
arguments for Shunyavada.(2013/12 ½)
7. Do you agree with the view that in early Buddhismmore
importance was given to Four Noble Truthsthan to systematic
metaphysics ? Give reasons for your agreement or
disagreement ? (2012/15)
8. Examine critically the statement that the doctrine of
‘paticcasamuppada was given only to explain the problem of
sorrow and not to solve the problems of metaphysics .’
(2012/15)
9. Explain the theory of illusion accepted by Buddhist . Is it
consistent with their philosophy ? Give reasons for your
answer . (2012/15)
10. Write a note on Nagarjuna’s contribution Madhyamica School
of Buddhism. (2012/15)

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11. Is the concept of Nirvana a logical necessity for the Buddhists?
Give reasons for your answer. (2011/30)
12. What is the importance of the Buddhist concept of ‘Nama-
Rupa’ in the exposition of the Doctrine of Dependent
Origination? (2011/20)
13. Is Sunyavada a philosophical doctrine? Evaluate. (2011/15)
14. How does the Buddhist accept the possibility of rebirth in the
absence of an eternal soul? Discuss. (2010/20)
15. Bring out the metaphysical implication of the second noble
truth of the Buddhism. (2010/30)
16. An examination of Buddhist Nairatmyavada. Short notes.
(2008/20)
17. “The Madhyamika philosophy tries to adopt the mean
between extreme affirmation and extremenegation.”
Comment. (2008/60)
18. Four Arya Satya (Noble Truths) according to Buddhism. Short
Notes. (2007/20)
19. Discuss Pratityasamutpada in Buddhism. Short Notes.
(2006/20)
20. State and discuss the Buddhist notion of Sunyata. (2005/60)
21. Nature and kinds of Nirvana. Short Notes. (2004/20)
22. State and discuss the Buddhist notion of momentariness.
(2004/60)
23. Ksanikavada of Buddhism. Short Notes. (2003/20)
24. Buddhistic doctrine of Pratitya-samutpada. Short Notes.
(2002/20)
25. Nagarjuna’s defense of Sunya-vada. Notes. (2001)

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15. Nyāya-Vaiśesika: Theory of Categories; Theory of Appearance;
Theory of Pramāna; Self, Liberation; God; Proofs for the Existence of
God; Theory of Causation; Atomistic Theory of Creation.
1. ‘Our knowledge is confined to gunas only’. Examine this
statement in the light of Vaisesika and Buddhist
controversy.(2015/15)
2. Is anyathakhyativada an adequate explanation of
error?(2015/15)
3. Bring out the philosophical implications of introducing
extraordinary(aluakik) perception in Nyaya philosophy.
(2014/20)
4. What is Samavaya ? What are the grounds for accepting
samavaya as distinct padartha ? (2013/10)
5. Analyse the Nyaya concept of vyapti and examine its relation
with tark .(2013/12 ½)
6. Examine Nyaya-Vaisesika’s arguments for the existence of
jivatma(soul).(2013/12 ½)
7. Do you find any inadequacy in the proofs for the existence of
God as given by Naiyayikas? Give reasons in support of your
answer. (2011/15)
8. Why do the Vaisesikas treat Abhava as an independent
category? Explain. (2011/15)
9. Explain the reason for introducing the notion of extraordinary
perception in nyaya-epistemology. (2010/30)
10. Can qualities exist without substance? Substantiate your views
in the light of Nyaya-Buddhism controversy? (2010/20)
11. Hetvabhasa according to Nyaya.(2009/20)
12. Compare the viewpoints of Nyaya , Vaisesika , Mimansa and
Buddhism on the issue of knowledge of abhava. (2009/60)
13. Samanya in Vaisesika. Short notes. (2008/20)

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 14. Discuss critically Nyaya notion of Vyapti. (2008/60)
15. Explain fully Nyaya’s Asatkaryavada. (2007/60)
16. Explain Nyaya theory of Pramanas. (2006/60)
17. Nature and kinds of Pratyaksha according to Nyaya. Short
Notes. (2005/20)
18. State and discuss the nature and kinds of Dravyas according to
Vaisesikas. (2005/60)
19. Nature and kind of anumanas according to Nyaya. Short
Notes. (2004/20)
20. The Nyaya-vaisesika view of Samanya. Short Notes. (2003/20)
21. Nyaya view of Self. Short Notes. (2002/20)
22. Evaluate the Nyaya-Vaisesika theory of the nature of Vyapti.
(2001)

16. Sāmkhya: Prakrti; Purusa; Causation; Liberation

1. Satkaryavada (2015/10)
2. State and examine Samkhya proofs for the existence of
Purusa.(2015/15)
3. Examine the Samkhya view about liberation that “ self is
neither bound nor liberates , nor transmigrate.” (2014/15)
4. How is theory of causation central to the theory of reality in
classical Indian tradition. ? Discuss. (2014/20)
5. Are the arguments given in favour of existence of Prakriti
adequate in Samkhya’s philosophy ? Discuss. (2014/10)
6. Evaluate relation ‘if any’ between prakriti and purusha
.(2013/12 ½)
7. Explain the possibility of jivanmukti . Critically compare it with
the Yoga account of kaivelya . (2013/10)

22
 8. How Samkhya theory of causation is different from that of
Nyaya theory of causation ? Explain .( 2012/15 )
9. Examine Sankhya’s arguments for Bahupurusavada (Plurality
of Purusa). (2011/30)
10. Does the effect pre-exist in the cause? Discuss. (2010/15)
11. Compare Aristotle’s view regarding causation with that of the
Samkhya School’s view of Causation. (2009/60)
12. Explain the Samkhya doctrine of three gunas. (2007/60)
13. Critically discuss the Samkhya theory of Causation. (2006/60)
14. Samkhya conception of Purusha. Short notes. (2005/20)
15. The Samkhya doctrine of liberation. Short Notes. (2003/20)
16. Samkhya theory of Evolution of Prakriti. Short Notes.
(2002/20)
17. Evaluate the Samkhya justification for their theory of Purusa.
(2001)

17. Yoga: Citta; Cittavrtti; Klesas; Samadhi; Kaivalya.

1. What is bondage according to Yoga philosophy?Explain the
method of attaining Kaivelya in Patanjali’s
Yogasutra.(2015/20)
2. Explain the nature and levels of samprajnata Samadhi. How
does each level lead more towards to asamprajnata Samadhi ?
(2014/15)
3. Give a critical account of the accept of cittavritti in Yoga
philosophy.(2013/12 ½)
4. Critically evaluate the statement that ‘ Yoga sutra emphasis
more on praxis(action) than on theory ( reflection ). (2012/15)
5. Give your critical comments on the assertion that Yoga school
broadly accepts Samkhya ontology . (2012/15)

23
 6. “Yoga is more than a psycho-physical exercise”. Analyse this
statement and support your conclusion with arguments.
(2011/30)
7. Compare Patanjali’s Yoga with integral Yoga expounded by
Aurobindo, bringing out clearlypoints of similarity and
dissimilarity. (2009/60)

18. Mimāmsā: Theory of Knowledge

1. Elaborate Nyaya-Mimamsa debate on
Pramanyavada.(2015/20)
2. How is an absence of an object known according to Naiyayikas
and Mimamsakas ? Discuss. (2014/15)
3. Can Arthapatti (postulation) be reduced to Anumana
(inference )? Discuss it from Mimamsa point of view.
(2014/10)
4. Evaluate Prabhakar Mimamsaka’s arguments for accepting
sruti as pramana. (2013/12 ½)
5. How is the pramanya (validity/truth) of a statement
determined ? Examine in this context the theory of paratah
pramanyavada. (2013/10)
6. Why does Mimamsa give utmost importance to SHABDA-
PRAMANA the verbal testimony ? Is it anything to do with
Vedas ? Give your comments.(2012/15)
7. Discuss the views of Mimamsa and Nyaya on the theory of
Pramanyavada. Which of them do find adequate ? Give
reasons for your answer . (2012/15)
8. How do Mimamsakas defend Svatah Pramanyavada against
the Naiyayika criticism? Discuss. (2011/20)
9. Anupalabdhi as a pramana. Short Notes. (2008/20)

24
 10. What is Svatahprmanyavada according in Mimansakas? Is
their explanation of errorconsistent with it? Discussfully.
(2002/60)
11. Kumarila Bhatta’s explanation of perceptual error. Notes.
(2001)

19. Schools of Vedānta: Brahman; Īśvara; Ātman; Jiva; Jagat; Māyā;

Avidyā; Adhyāsa; Moksa; Aprthaksiddhi; Pancavidhabheda
1. Pancavidhbheda.(2015/10)
2. Compare and contrast the notion of Brahman in Sankar and
Ramanuja.(2015/20)
3. How does nature of Brahman differ in the philosophy of
Shankar , Ramanuja and Madhva ? Discuss critically. (2014/20)
4. Bring out the significance of the concept of adhyasa in
Sankara’s philosophy to develop his metaphysics. (2014/10)
5. Describe the five types of differences (Panchvidbheda). Bring
out their philosophical significance for Madhva’s
theory.(2013/12 ½ )
6. How can Isvara (God) be distinguished from Brahman(
Absolute) ? Which of the two concepts are philosophically
better ?(2013/12 ½)
7. Distinguish between svarup lakshan and tatastha lakshan of
Brahman after Sankara.(2013/12 ½)
8. Evaluate Ramanuja’s critique of Sankara’s theory of maya.
(2013/12 ½)
9. Do you agree with Ramanuja’s view that the nature of
Brahman is qualified ? Give reasons . (2012/15)
10. Write a note on Shankara’s Vivartavada and discuss its
implications . ( 2012/15)

25
11. Explain why avidya and maya are considered anirvachniya
(indescribable) in advait vada ? (2012/15 )
12. Explain the notion of egoor ahankara and its role in the
doctrine of Vedanta.(2012/15)
13. “Both Shamkar and Ramanuja are right in their affirmation,
but wrong in their denial.” Critically evaluate. (2010/30)
14. Is Shamkar’s concept of adhyasa logical or psychological?
Discuss. (2010/15)
15. How is Ramanuja’s concept of dharmabhutajnana different
from Shamkar’s concept of swarupajnana? Explain. (2010/15)
16. Explain Sankara’s view on the status of Jagat and Ramanuja’s
response to it. (2008/60)
17. State and explain the difference between Saguna and Nirguna
Brahman. (2007/60)
18. Examine Shankara’s Mayavada. Short Notes. (2006/20)
19. Discuss the Metaphysics of Acharya Ramanuja. (2006/60)
20. The nature of Brahman, Jiva and Jagat according Madhava.
Short Notes. (2005/20)
21. Elucidate Shankara’s conception of Adhyasa. (2005/60)
22. Why is Ramanuja’s philosophy called Visistadvaita? Discuss
fully. (2004/60)
23. Madhava’s conception of moksha. Notes. (2004/20)
24. Ramanuja criticism of Advaita concept of maya. Short Notes.
(2003/20)
25. Describe Sankara’s explanation of jiva. Is the justification
offered rational? Explain.(2003/60)
26. Ramanuja’s refutation of Mayavada. Short Notes. (2002/20)
27. Evaluate Sankara’s analysis of moksha in the light of
Ramanuja’s arguments. (2001)

26
20. Aurobindo: Evolution, Involution; Integral Yoga.
1. Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga (2015/10)
2. How is Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga is an advancement over
Patajala’s yoga ? Discuss. (2014/15)
3. Explain Sri Aurobindo’s conception of cosmic salvation
through spiritual salvation of individual. (2013/10)
4. ‘Involution is the precondition of Evolution’ . Explain the role
of involution in the world process .(2012/15)
5. How are evolution and involution related in Sri Aurobindo’s
philosophy? (2010/15)
6. Sri Aurobindo’s conception of evolution and involution.
(2008/20)

27
 SOCIO – POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
1. Social and Political Ideals: Equality, Justice, Liberty
1. “Equality does not mean treating everyone equal”.
Discuss.(2015/10)
2. “Equality will be of no value without fraternity and liberty.”
Discuss.(2015/15)
3. Discuss Amartya Sen’s principle of Niti as critique of Nyaya.
(2014/15)
4. Explain evaluate Aristotle’s concept of justice. (2013/15)
5. What is meant by ‘justice’ as fairness ? Explain the basic tenets
of Rawls’ theory of justice . (2013/15)
6. How is Amartya Sen’s approach to justice is different from that
of Rawls ? (2013/20)
7. The Fundamental idea of the conception of justice is fairness.
Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
8. Can issue relating to gender discrimination be me by the
conception of justice as fairness? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
9. Which principle of justice can, in your view, be most helpful in
addressing the issues related to caste discrimination and why?
2011 – 20 marks
10. Discuss the nature of relationship between liberty and
equality. 2010 - 15 marks.
11. Comment on the relationship between equality and freedom.
2009 – 30 marks.
12. “Justice is treating equals as equals and unequals as
unequals.” 2008 – 20 marks.
13. Free market economy is the only way to attain social justice.
2007 – 20 marks.

28
14. Negative freedom can perhaps ensure freedom to choose, but
without any credible assurance for its actual fulfillment. 2007
– 20 marks.
15. According to some liberal political thinkers, social and
economic inequalities can be justified only if they work to the
advantage of the least advantaged members of the society. Is
this view consistent with the liberalism’s cardinal advocacy of
individual freedom? Discuss. 2007 – 60 marks.
16. Critically examine - “Unless the ideal of equality is embedded
within a broader theory of politics and society, it can be given
no specific content.” 2004 – 20 marks.
17. Despite their self-proclaimed commitment to the ideal of
individual of freedom, this ideal is one of the most contentious
issues between socialism and liberalism. Why? Discuss. 2004 –
60 marks.
18. Critically examine – “Freedom from” and “Freedom to” are
mutually exclusive. 2003 – 20 marks.
19. Critically examine – “Freedom as liberation from samsara.”
2003 – 20 marks.
20. Critically examine – “The concept of equality as a political
ideal.” 2002 – 20 marks.
21. What is meant by justice? What are the necessary and
sufficient conditions for its availability? Discuss. 2002 – 60
marks.
22. Consider the following argument – “Justice means getting
what one deserves. A person who contributes more to society
deserves more than a person who contributes less to society.
The only fair way to determine how much a person has
contributed to society is to let people as a whole decide
through free market. Therefore, free market is the only way to
attain justice.” Would you agree with above point of view?
Defend your answer. 2001 – 60 marks.

29
 23. Some thinkers distinguish between two mutually irreducible
senses of freedom, namely negative freedom and positive
freedom. Explain
and critically consider the distinction. 2001 – 60 marks.

2. Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.

1. Expain Harol Laski’s critique of sovereignity.(2015/10)
2. Explain the significance of John Austin’s theory of sovereignty.
How does it differ from that of Hobbes ? (2014/10)
3. Who amongst Austin , Bodin and Laski is the most consistent
in his analysis of the concept of sovereignty ? (2012/12)
4. Compare and contrast Kautilya's Saptanga Theory of the
Sovereign State with Bodin's theory of Sovereignty. 2011 – 15
marks
5. Why did Kautilya think that sovereignty is hierarchical?
Explain. 2010 – 15 marks.
6. Does Bodin’s theory of sovereignty float in the air? Critically
examine. 2010 – 20 marks.
7. Compare Bodin’s and Austin’s views on sovereignty. 2009 – 20
marks.
8. Critically examine Kautilya’s saptang theory of sovereign state.
2008 – 20 marks.
9. Explain the notion of sovereignty. Critically consider in this
context the claim that sovereignty is illimitable and logically
indivisible. 2006 – 60 marks.

30
3. Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability
1. How are individual and group rights reconciled in democracy?
Explain .(2015/10)
2. “All human rights are centered on individual rights.”
Discuss.(2014/20)
3. What is the significance of including duties of citizens in the
Indian constitution ? (2013/10)
4. Can we dissociate rights of citizens from their duties.
(2012/12)
5. Can citizens have rights without duties? Discuss with
examples. 2011 – 20 marks
6. Discuss Kant’s distinction between duties of perfect and
imperfect obligation.2011 – 20 marks
7. Can the conception of ‘rights’ of citizens be sustained in a
society characterized by caste discrimination? Discuss.2011 –
20 marks
8. Does accountability necessarily contribute to moral
perfection? Offer your views. 2010 – 15 marks.
9. Which type of individual according to you can contribute more
to strengthen the state – a liberalist or a socialist? 2010 – 20
marks.
10. “Rights and duties are complementary.” Explain. 2009 – 20
marks.
11. Do rights necessarily imply corresponding obligations? To
whom does one primarily own obligations – individuals or
state? Discuss. 2008 – 60 marks.
12. Critically examine – “The conception of a good political order
rests upon an objectively true account of human nature.”
2006 – 20 marks.

31
 13. Critically examine – “State is the actuality of concrete
freedom”. 2005 – 20 marks.

4. Forms of Government: Monarchy; Theocracy and Democracy.

1. Is civil disobedience in a democratic state
justifiable?Discuss.(2015/10)
2. Evaluate the nature o and functions of parliamentary
democracy.(2015/20)
3. In what sense is democracy better form of government than
theocracy ? (2014/15)
4. What is meant by democracy ? What are various forms of
democratic governments ? (2013/15)
5. Is a democratic government able to represent the interest of
minority groups ? (2013/15)
6. Is a democratic government better than a benevolent
dictatorship? Give reasons for your answer . (2013/20)
7. Does the combination of democracy and socialism lead to a
more equitable society ? (2013/10)
8. Democracy ,committed to treating everybody equally , is
ineffective as a system of government . (2012/12)
9. In a Democracy does a citizen ever have the moral right to
break a law? Discuss citizens right to civil disobedience. 2011 –
15 marks
10. Is majority rule meaningfully reflected in present-day
democratic governments? Substantiate your answer with
suitable examples? 2010 – 20 marks.
11. Define monarchy. Is it ethically justified? 2009 – 20 marks.
12. Is theocracy an outdated ideology? Discuss. 2009 – 30 marks.
13. Democratic government claims to be promoting the principles
of political philosophy of democracy. 2008 – 20 marks.

32
 14. Critically examine - democracy that gives equal weight to
everyone’s opinion is inefficient in determining the right or
wrong thing to do. 2007 – 20 marks.
15. Critically examine – democracy which treats everybody’s
opinion equally is inefficient in determining the right thing to
do. 2006 – 20 marks.
16. Political democracy is hollow unless accompanied with power
in the area of economics. 2005 –20 marks.
17. Critically examine - The concept of democracy is an essentially
contested concept. 2004 - 20 marks.
18. Do you think that democracy is the best form of government?
Is there any scope of “beyond democracy”? In this context,
analyze the notion of meritocracy. 2002 – 60 marks.
19. Critically examine - “The idea of democracy is paradoxical.”
2001 -20marks.

5.Political Ideologies: Anarchism; Marxism and Socialism

1. Political ideology of Anarchism. (2012/12)
2. What are the basic differences between Marxism and
Socialism? 2011 – 20 marks
3. Can it be said that Socialism is a weaker version of Marxism?
Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
4. Is Democratic Socialism a contradiction in terms? Discuss.
2011 – 20 marks
5. Which type of socialism, according to you, is superior –
utopian or democratic? Why? 2010 – 20 marks.
6. Critically examine - ‘Acceptance of the authority of the state is
inconsistent with the highest duty of mankind, “the duty to act
autonomously”’ (Robert Paul Wolff). 2007 – 20 marks.

33
 7. Describe your understanding of socialism. Must it be defined
in normative terms of a set of values and ideals which
socialists seek to realize, or in descriptive terms of the specific
economic and political institutions of socialist society? Can the
tension between the two be adequately resolved? Discuss.
2007 – 60 marks.
8. Critically examine - ‘Acceptance of the authority of the state is
inconsistent with the highest duty of mankind, “the duty to act
autonomously”’ (Robert Paul Wolff). 2006 – 20 marks.
9. Describe your understanding of socialism. Must it be defined
in normative terms of a set of values and ideals which
socialists seek to realize, or in descriptive terms of the specific
economic and political institutions of socialist society? Can the
tension between the two be adequately resolved? Discuss.
2006 – 60 marks.

6. Humanism; Secularism; Multiculturalism.

1. Is multiculturalism a need of global society?Discuss.(2015/15)
2. How is religious nationalism a threat to secular society?
Explain.(2015/20)
3. Explain descriptive and normative perspectives on
multiculturalism. (2014/15)
4. How does multiculturalism redefine liberal notions like
identity,freedom and equality and reformulate its
assumptions ?(2014/10)
5. How do we distinguish liberal humanism and Marxist
humanism ? (2014/10)
6. Does the idea of equal respect to all religion provide a viable
and consistent state policy ? (2013/10)
7. “ Secularism in Indian context is not a rejection of religion but
fellowship of religions.” Discuss. (2012/20)

34
 8. In what ways is humanism different Marxism ? Discuss .
(2012/20)
9. What is multiculturalism ? Can it be impediment for
development and progress ? Discuss . (2012/20)
10. The Term 'multi-culturalism' has been used in both a
descriptive and a normative sense. Discuss. 2011 – 15 marks
11. Is secularism analogous to atheism? Examine in Indian
context. 2009 – 30 marks.
12. Is multiculturalism a boon or a bane? Discuss. 2008 – 60
marks.
13. Critically examine - “Christian humanism is a contradiction in
terms.” 2006 – 20 marks.
14. What is humanism? What are its different kinds? In what way
if any is M. N. Roy’s radical humanism different from
Marxism? Discuss. 2005 – 60 marks.

7.Crime and Punishment: Corruption, Mass Violence, Genocide,

Capital Punishment.
1. “The aim of punishment is to defend the moral law and to do
justice to criminal.”Discuss.(2015/15)
2. Analyse the statement with reasons that “ Power corrupts ,
absolute power corrupts absolutely”. (2014/20)
3. Which theory of punishment retributive or restorative , do you
recommend and why ? (2014/20)
4. Can we say that racial supremacy is the main reason for
genocide ? Give reasons for your answer. (2014/10)
5. Does corruption have not only a moral dimension but also an
economic dimension ? (2013/10)
6. What can be the causes of mass violence ? can mass violence
be justified on moral ground ? Discuss (2012/30)

35
7. Can capital punishment be justified? Answer with reference to
the theories of punishment. 2011 – 15 marks
8. If capital punishment is legally awarded, then no ethico-
politico consideration should subvert it. Express your opinion
for or against. 2010 – 20 marks.
9. List the various sanctions permitting genocide and clearly
bring out the ethical counter-arguments against it. 2010 – 20
marks.
10. “You are not punished for stealing the sheep, but you are
punished so that no sheep is stolen.” Discuss as to which
theory of punishment this statement belongs. 2009 – 20
marks.
11. Is capital punishment in your view ethically justified? 2009 –
30 marks.
12. “Punishment rules all creatures, punishment preserves them
all.” 2008 – 20 marks.
13. Consider why punishment is generally thought to require
justification. In this context, give your critical and comparative
account of the main theories of punishment. 2007 – 60 marks.
14. Describe the tension between consequentialist and
retributivist theory of punishments. Discuss critically in this
context the view that argues that since no existing penal
system for crime-prevention has adequate justification, state
punishment cannot be justified; and therefore, it should be
completely abolished. 2006 – 60 marks.
15. Discuss the notion of punishment. Consider in this context the
importance and implications of the principle of proportionality
of punishment which requires that severity of punishment be
proportionate to the seriousness of the crime. 2004 – 60
marks.
16. Critically examine - “Retributive and deterrent theories of
punishment are mutually complementary.” 2003 – 20 marks.

36
8. Development and Social Progress
1. “Inequitable development leads to socialconflicts rather than
social progress.”Explain.(2015/10)
2. By eliminating alienation can we bring social progress ?
(2014/15)
3. Is social progress possible without humanism? Examine. 2010
– 15 marks.
4. What do you understand by progress? Have human beings
made progress in all fields of their activity? Discuss. 2005 – 60
marks.

9. Gender Discrimination: Female Foeticide, Land and Property

Rights; Empowernment
1. What does gender discrimination mean? Is not a violation of
equality and social justice? Discuss.(2015/15)
2. Does economic empowerment of women eliminate gender
discrimination? Discuss.(2015/15)
3. “One is not born woman , but she becomes a woman.Critically
comment on it. (2014/15)
4. What do you understand by ‘gender equality’ and why is it
important ? (2013/15)
5. Is economic independence essential for equality between men
and women ? (2013/15)
6. Why is adequate representation of women in political
institution important in this context ? (2013/20)
7. Woman empowerment and social justice. (2012/12)
8. Is there any necessary connection between social progress
and protection against female foeticide ? Discuss. (2012/20 )

37
 9. “Denial of access and inheritance of land and property to
women is denial of their fundamental as human.” Discuss
(2012/20)
10. Does the right to property bring economic disparity and threat
human fraternity? Discuss. 2010 – 20 marks.
11. Can only the political empowerment of women wipe out
gender discrimination in a male-dominated Indian society?
2010 – 20 marks.
12. Examine the land and property rights of women in India. How
far do they contribute to empower women? 2009 – 60 marks.
13. Critically examine – “sex is the biological category whereas
gender is a culturally shaped expression of sexual difference.”
2005 - 20 marks.
14. Critically examine – “Gender equality can be realized only
within a socialist regime.”
15. What, in your view, is the source(s) of gender inequality? Is it
primarily rooted in human biology? In what way, if at all? Can
this inequality be bridged? Explain and defend your position
on these issues.
16. Critically examine - “Gender equality: meaning and need.”
17. Critically examine - “The cause of gender inequality is entirely
biological.”

10. Caste Discrimination: Gandhi and Ambedkar

1. Evaluate Ambedkar’s critique of caste system.(2015/20)
2. “Man must grow materially as well as spiritually.” Evaluate
this statement of Ambedkar.(2015/15)
3. What are the basic differences between Gandhi and
Ambedkar regarding caste discrimination ? (2014/15)

38
4. If caste discrimination has any continuity and hierarchy which
principle of justice can dissolve this problem ? (2014/10)
5. Is there any impact of caste discrimination on democracy in
Indian context ? (2013/10)
6. What were Gandhi’s views on varna and jati ? Critically discuss
Ambedkar’s disagreement with Gandhi’s treatment of
varna.(2012/30)
7. “Caste is not a sin, but caste-discrimination is.” As a concerned
citizen, comment critically on this statement. 2010 – 20 marks.
8. Discuss the impact of caste-discrimination – affirmative or
otherwise on the harmony of the society as a whole. 2008 –
60 marks.

39
 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
1. Notions of God: Attributes; Relation to Man and the World (Indian
and Western).
1. Write a critical note on the attributes of God.(2015/10)
2. Elucidate the status of man in the realm of between
immanence and transcendence. ( 2014/20 )
3. Is god indispensible for religion ?(2013/10)
4. Explain the distinction between deism and theism . (2012/20)
5. Discuss the salient features of traditional orthodox religion.
2011 – 15 marks
6. “Religion is not just false, it is harmful.” Discuss. 2011/ 15
marks
7. “To be man is to strive to be God.” Discuss. 09/30
8. Comment on the statement – “Religion only promised, but
never fulfilled the promise.” 08/30
9. Can deism be satisfactory theory in the context of God of
grace and devotion? Discuss. 08/20
10. God is not the subject to the law of logic. Critical notes. 07/20.
11. Traditionally omnipotence has been seen as one of the
attributes of God. But, according to some critic, the notion of
omnipotent being is paradoxical. In response some theist has
tried to resolve the alleged paradox. Describe the paradox and
explain the attempt to resolve it. 07/60.
12. Traditionally omnipotence has been seen as one of the
attributes of God. But, according to some critic, the notion of
omnipotent being is paradoxical. In response some theist has
tried to resolve thealleged paradox. Describe the paradox and
explain the attempt to resolve it. 06/60.

40
 13. The difference between impersonalistic and naturalistic
conception of God. Critical notes. 06/20.
14. “If God is omniscient, then humans are not free.”
15. Is God dead (Nietzsche) or living (faithful people)?
16. What do the immanence and transcendence mean in talking
about God? Is God really immanent or transcendent?
17. Impersonalistic conception of God.

2.Proofs for the Existence of God and their Critique (Indian and
Western).
1. Is existence of Goda necessary condition for the survival of
religion? Explain.(2015/10)
2. Examine the Nyaya arguments in favour of the existence of
God.(2015/20)
3. Examine the ontological and cosmological arguments in favour
of existence of God.(2015/15)
4. Discuss the ontological argument for the existence of God ,and
show its merits and demerits. (2014/15)
5. Can it self-contradictory to accept the idea of God but deny
the existence of God ?(2014/15)
6. State and elucidate cosmological argument for the existence
of god in Western and Indian philosophy . (2013/15)
7. Discuss two main objections against this argument . Are theist
able to answer these satisfactorily. (2013/15)
8. Critically evaluate three main objections against the argument
from design for the existence of god . (2013/20)
9. Can God’s existence be proved with cogent and convincing
rational arguments ? (2012/12)

41
10. Why is a proof for the existence of God necessary for the
growth of a religion? Discuss. 2011 /15 marks
11. Is contingent argument for the existence of God anything
more than a logical exercise? Discuss. 10/20
12. If each and every argument has to take that its premises are
true, would the causal argument for the existence of God as
the first cause be different from assuming that it is true?
Argue in favour of your position. 10/20
13. Human mind is such that it naturally observes order in nature.
Given this can one use arguments from design for the
existence of God? Discuss. 10/20.
14. Critically examine the causal argument as a proof for the
existence of God. 09/20.
15. Analyse the teleological argument as a proof for the existence
of God. 09/30
16. Different versions of ontological arguments and Kant’s critique
of these arguments. Critical note. 08/20
17. State and evaluate the cosmological argument for the
existence of God. What are its two forms? What is the
difference between a dependent being and self-existent
being? Why is the self-existent being theo-centric? Can the
nature itself be conceived as self-existent being? Discuss.
07/60
18. State and evaluate the cosmological argument for the
existence of God. What are its two forms? What is the
difference between a dependent being and self-existent
being? Why is the self-existent being theo-centric? Can the
nature itself be conceived as self-existent being? Discuss.
06/60.
19. “God is the first reason of things.” Critical notes. 05/20

42
 20. “If God exists only in someone’s mind, the greatest
conceivable being is not after all the greatest conceivable
being.” Critical notes. 05/20.
21. Some theists question the relevancy of proofs and arguments
for theistic beliefs. Believers in their view are not irrational for
want of proof for their belief in God because proofs are
neither necessary nor sufficient for religious life. Would you
agree with such a view? Discuss.
22. Is the ontological argument for the existence of God really
invalid? Critical notes.
23. Do any of these received proofs for the existence of God
succeed in proving God’s existence? Discuss. In this context,
critically consider especially the cosmological argument.
24. Ontological proof for the existence of God. Critical notes.

3. Problem of Evil
1. Is Godthe cause of natural evil? Explain.(2015/10)
2. Do you think that evil is a bitter pill which no theist can
swallow? Discuss.(2015/15)
3. Is evil reconcilable with the benevolent God ?(2014/20)
4. Do theist succeed in explaining the natural evil in the world as
a necessary counterpart to good ? (2013/10)
5. “God permitted suffering to discipline the human being .”
(2012/12)
6. “The problem of evil arises when we attribute infinite
knowledge, power and goodness to God acknowledging the
fact of innocent persons’ suffering. One cannot be mistaken
about one’s own experience and suffering is an experience.
Hence, God cannot have at least one of the three attributes;
infinite knowledge, power and goodness.” Evaluate this
argument. 10/15

43
 7. If evil and sufferings are the real experiences of individual self,
what role do they play in realising self-transcendence? 09/20.
8. How can a theist resolve the problem of evil? Does evil not tell
upon omnipotence and omniscience of God? Can God be
thought of as imperfect and powerless in this regard? Discuss
critically for and against the two possible opposite views and
justify your own position. 08/60
9. “God permitted evil to exist in order to bring about greater
good, Adam’s fall was felix culpa (happy sin).” – Leibnitz.
Critical notes. 07/20.
10. “The problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the
imperfect world with the goodness of God.” Critical notes.
05/20
11. Describe the problem of evil. Some theologicians utilise the
free-will argument to resolve this problem. How? Discuss.

4.Soul: Immortality; Rebirth and Liberation.

1. “Immortality means absence of karma and rebirth.”
Discuss.(2015/15)
2. What is liberation?Briefly discuss the ways to attain it as
outlined in the system of Vedanta.(2015/20)
3. How do you justify rebirth with or without the soul ?
(2014/10)
4. What are the arguments given in favour of immortality of soul
? (2014/10)
5. Compare and contrast the concept of liberation according to
‘Advait’ and ‘Visishtadvait’. (2014/15)
6. Is there anything else other than human efforts which may be
conducive to attainment of liberation ? (2013/10)

44
7. Are rebirth and liberation analogous concepts ? Explain
(2012/12)
8. Is a belief in the immortality of the soul a necessary
precondition for religion? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
9. Is a belief in rebirth and reincarnation possible without a belief
in the immortality of the soul? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
10. Can Buddhism, because of its doctrine of 'anatta', be regarded
as a religion or not? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
11. What sort of criteria can one provide for identifying rebirth as
opposed to birth? Discuss. 10/15
12. Why is grace of God needed for liberation? Discuss with an
example. 10/20
13. Distinguish between Indian concept of jivatma and Plato’s
concept of soul. 10/20
14. If ignorance is the cause of suffering, knowledge should
remove suffering. What is the notion of knowledge which a
liberated person acquires? Discuss. 10/20
15. Explain why man has a desire for immortality. 09/30
16. Possibility of rational understanding of immortality and
liberation. Critical notes. 08/20.
17. Without some conception of immortality, religion has no
meaning. Critically examine. 07/20.
18. Explain the doctrine of the law of karma. Is it compatible with
the freedom of will? Discuss. 07/60.
19. Without some conception of immortality, religion has no
meaning. Critically examine. 06/20.
20. Explain the doctrine of the law of karma. Is it compatible with
the freedom of will? Discuss. 06/60.
21. Without some conception of immortality, religion has no
meaning. Critically examine. 05/20.

45
 22. Is Christian doctrine of the immortality of soul compatible with
the Gita’s doctrine of atman? Discuss. 05/60.
23. What do you understand by liberation? Is it possible for one to
be liberated in this very life? If it is, what are the
characteristics of a liberated person? Discuss. 05/60.
24. Relation between religion and salvation. Critical notes.
25. Can the results of a finite action of an individual (karma)
determine the nature of the immortal soul (atman)? Critical
notes.
26. Advaita Vedanta theory of jivanmukti. Critical notes. 02/20.
27. What is meant by immortality of soul? Analyse the argument
of the Bhagvad Gita in this regard.

5. Reason, Revelation and Faith

1. Do reason and faith go together? Discuss.(2015/10)
2. Can revelation be justified by reason? Discuss(2015/15)
3. Can reason be used to justify faith ? (2014/15)
4. Is religious faith opposed to reason ? (2013/10)
5. The concept of revelation is essentially opposed to religious
pluralism . Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.
(2012/30)
6. Discuss the role of reason, revelation and faith in the sphere of
religion. Are they compatible? If not, how to resolve their
apparent inconsistency? 08/60
7. “Religious faith consists of a set of profoundly unfalsifiable
assumptions that govern all of a person’s other beliefs.” (R. M.
Hare). Critical notes. 06/20
8. Explain the notion of revelation. Does revelation stand in need
of confirmation? Discuss and also explain the difference or
similarity between revelation and shruti. 06/60

46
 9. Point out the relative importance of reason and revelation in
religion. Are the two compatible? Discuss.

6. Religious Experience: Nature and Object (Indian and Western)

1. Explain the nature of mysticism Hinduism and Islam.(2015/15)
2. Discuss the conflicting nature of religious experiencewith
special reference to Buddhism and Jainism. (2014/15)
3. What is the nature of mystical experience? (2013/15)
4. Is mystical experience open to different interpretations?
(2013/15)
5. Can mystical experience be regarded as valid source of
knowledge ? (2013/20)
6. What is the object of religious experience ? Is it empirical or
trans-empirical ? Explain in detail . (2012/30)
7. If religious experience is unique, what makes it an experience?
How is this experience logically different from the experience
of loneliness, happiness, etc.? 10/20
8. Explain the nature of religious experience. Can this experience
be validated? 09/20
9. The difference between numinous and mystical experience.
Critical notes. 07/20.
10. The difference between numinous and mystical experience.
Critical notes. 06/20.
11. “Mysticism is the power of spiritual access to domains of
knowledge closed off to ordinary thought.” Critical notes.
05/20.

47
7. Religion without God
1. Is the idea of immortality of soul utopian or it is realizable ?
Discuss (2012/20)
2. What is the central concept in a religion without God? Discuss.
(2010/15)
3. Can atheism be a religion? Discuss.(2005/60).
4. When a religion is defined as relegare, is Buddhism or Jainism
a religion? What are the criteria for an organisation to be
called a religion? Should there be a transcendental reality in a
religion? Discuss.
5. Religion without God. Critical notes.

8.Religion and Morality

1. Is morality necessarily based on religion? Discuss.(2015/10)
2. “An atheist may be better man than a religious person bereft
of moral values.”Discuss.(2015/15)
3. How far can religious morality incorporate individual freedom
? (2014/20)
4. Is religious consistent with individual freedom ? (2013/10)
5. “ If God does not exist then why one should one be moral all
the time ?” Discuss (2012/20)
6. “ I can be moral without being religious, but I cannot be
religious without being moral.” Do you agree? Give reasons
for your answer . (2012/20 )
7. Examine the view that the foundation of morality is possible
only in a religious framework. 2011 – 15 marks
8. If morality has to follow from religion, can there a rational
justification for moral actions? Discuss. 10/15

48
 9. Proprietary of religion without morality. Critical notes. 08/20.
10. Distinguish between religious and secular ethics. Discuss in
this context the view that holds that secular ethics are
superior to religious ethics because religious ethics are
essentially based on rules without decisive regard for
consequences whereas secular ethics as their best aim at
producing the best over-all consequences. 06/60.
11. Secular ethics cannot satisfactorily answer the question –
“Why should I be moral all the time?”
12. Are God and religion necessary presuppositions of morality?
Elucidate your answer following Kant. Also consider critically
in this context the possible grounds of morality following
atheists.
13. Religion without morality is empty and morality without
religion is blind. Do you agree with this contention? Give
reasons in support of your view.

9.Religious Pluralism and the Problem of Absolute Truth

1. Can pluralist perspective vindicate Absolute Truth ? (2014/10)
2. If God is regarded as ‘one’ , will it give rise to religious conflicts
? (2014/10)
3. On what grounds , dichotomy between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ can
either be justified or rejected ? (2014/10)
4. Can the notion of absolute truth be justified on rational
grounds ? (2012/12)
5. Do the concept of Ishvara and Brahman signify the same
reality in Advait Vedanta ? (2012/12)
6. Explain the notion of truth as "Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha
Vadanti" (Truth is one, the learned interpret it differently.)
2011 – 20 marks

49
7. Does the notion of absolute truth give rise to intolerance and
religious conflicts? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
8. How can religious conflicts about truth be resolved? Discuss.
2011 – 20 marks
9. Is William James right in holding that religious disputes are like
conflicts in aesthetic appreciation? Discuss. 2011 – 20 marks
10. Are religious doctrines and debates verifiable? Discuss. 2011 –
20 marks
11. Examine the view that, religious doctrines are not 'quasi-
scientific' doctrines but represent a form of life. 2011 – 20
marks
12. The fact that different religions originated at different places
and in different centuries prove that plurality of religion is a
fact. How correct would it be to say that all religions are
essentially the same? Discuss. 10/20
13. “There are no whole truths, all truths are half-truths. It is
trying to treat them as whole truth that plays the devil.”
Discuss. 09/30.
14. Can the God of religion be identified with the absolute of
philosophy? 09/30.
15. In a pluralistic society, how can religious pluralism be
practised? Point out distinction among (a)
sarvadharmasamanvaya (b) sarvadharmasambhava (c)
sarvadharmasadbhava. 08/60
16. What is the central issue in the debate between religious
pluralist and religious exclusivist? Discuss in this context the
arguments they advance in support of their views.

50
10.Nature of Religious Language: Analogical and Symbolic;
Cognitivist and Non- cognitive
1. How can religious language be verified?Is it correct to say that
religious language is verified because it can not be falsified?
Discuss.(2015/20)
2. How do you formulate religious language as non-cognitive ?
(2014/15)
3. What is meant by saying that religious is non-cognitive ?
(2013/15)
4. Can religious language can said to be verifiable ? (2013/15)
5. Do cognitivist provide cogent answer to the objection based
on falsifiablity ? (2013/20)
6. Analyse Paul Tillich’s statement that “ symbolic language alone
is able to express the ultimate.” (2012/20)
7. Discuss the cognitivist account of the nature of religious
language . (2012/20)
8. Religious language is dependent on natural language for an
analogy and a symbol of work. Why not treat religious
language as a specialised language like telegraphic language?
Discuss. 10/20
9. Is religious language symbolic? Discuss. 09/20.
10. “Man’s ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically
because symbolic language alone is able to express the
ultimate.” – Paul Tillich. Critical notes. 04/20

51
 MIND MAPS
“ These answer formats will prove themselves as
the most effective tools for revisions during
exams.”

52
 CHARVAKA
Theory of Knowledge
 Perception :the only pramana
 Rejects:
Inference
 No vyapti
i. Perception
ii. Inference
iii. Shabda
iv. Samanya lakshan
v. Uniformity of experience
vi. Causal relation
2. upamana
3. Vedas
4. Sabda
 Critical Comment
 Metaphysics
 Materialism
 World
 God
 Soul
 Dehatmavada

53
 BUDDHISM
Pratityasamutpada

 Theory of Dependent origination

 Second and Third Noble Truth
 Bodhi;Dharma
 Causal Wheel of Dependent Origination(Twelve Links) :

1 Ignorance (avidya)
2 Impressions of Karmic forces (Samskara)
3 Initial consciounsness of the embryo (Vijnana)
4 Psycho-physical organism (Nama-rupa)
5 Six sense-organs including mind (Sadayatana)
6 Sense- object-contact(Sparsha)
7 Sense-experience(Vedana)
8 Thirst for sense-enjoyment(Trsna)
9 Clinging to this enjoyment(Upadana)
10 Will to reborn(Bhava)
11 Birth of rebirth(Jati)
12 Old age and death(Jara-Marana)

Bhava-Chakra , janama-Marana-Chakra

Bondage , Liberation

 Foundation of all teachings

54
1 Ksanikvada
o Theory of Momentariness
o Santanvada , Sanghatvada
o Everything is momentary
o Illusion of unity
o Applicable to phenomena only
o Critical comment

2 Nairatmyavada
o Theory of No-ego
o Bodhi / Prajna: the only reality
o Upanishads- Buddha: Misunderstanding
o Idea of re –birth ?

3. Theory of karma

4. Sanghatvada

5. Arthkriya- karitva

Critical comments

55
 JAINISM
 Realistic and Relativistic Pluralism

 Anekantavada : Metaphysical side

 Syadvada : Logical & Epistemological side

1 Theory of Relativity of knowledge

2 Use of syat
3 Saptabhanginaya
– Theory of seven folded judgement
4 Justification

 No skepticism –

 Catholic and Tolerant

 Critical comment

56
 JAINISM – JIVA
 What

Conscious spirit
Consciousness being the Essence
Qualitative alike; Quantitative different
– Comparative study : Indian & Western

Inherently perfect
- anantchatusteya
Astikaya
Proofs for the existence

 Bondage

Ignorance
Asrava
Bandhan

 Liberation

-Three jewels
-Samvara
-Nirjara
-Kaivelya

57
 JAINISM- DRAVYA

 What
 Characters

 Application of Jaina philosophy

 Dravya is sat
 Classification
Jiva

Ajiva : Pudgala

Space

Time

Motion ( dharma )

Rest ( adharma )

 Astikaya: jiva& ajiva

 Anastikaya:Time

58
 SAMKHYA – PRAKRITI

 Description
Root Cause
Independent, Absolute, One, Eternal
Unintelligent, unconscious,ever active

 Unity of three gunas

1 sattva
2 Rajas
3 Tamas
Pralaya awastha
Vishamawasstha

 Proofs
1 Bhedanam parimanat
2 Samanvyat
3 Karyatah pravrttescha
4 Karan karya vibhagat
5 Avibhagat Vishvarupyasya

 Significance
 Critical Comments

59
 SAMKHYA – PURUSA

 Description
Soul, Self, spirit
Consciousness is its essence
Comparative study
Intelligent, eternal, inactive ,nitya- mukta
Bondage, liberation
Sopadhika Purusa

 Proof
1 Teleological
2 Logical
3 Ontological
4 Ethical
5 Mystical

 Plurality of Purusa
Arguments

 Significance

 Critical Comments

60
 SAMKHYA

SARGA : Theory of Creation

 Two ultimate Principles

 Teleological
1 Darshanartham
2 Kaivalyartham

 Pralaya Awastha
Visham Awastha

 Evolutes
Prakrti: Mahat (first evolute)

Ahankar : Vaikarika or sattvika: ekadas indriya

: Taijasik or Rajas : energy

: Bhutadi or Tamasa : 5 Subtle physical elements

(Tan matras)
: 5 gross physical
elements
(Mahabhuta)

Total 23 evolutes + Prakriti + Purusa = philosophy of 25

principles

61
 Not new Creation – satkaryavada form of causation -
Prakritiparinamvada
 Evolution is cyclic
 Critical comment
-Not consistent
(i) Real Contact ?
(ii) Proximity
(iii) Theory of semblance of contact
-Asatkaryavada

62
 SAMKHYA - LIBERATION

 Bondage
 Sufferings / Pain

1. Ahdyatmaika
2. Adhibhautika
3. Adhidaivika

 Guna, pleasure, heaven

 Liberation
 Jiven mukti
 Videhamukti

63
 YOGA
Samkhya – Yoga

End & means

First evolute

Chitta vritti

1. Pramana
2. Viparaya
3. Vikalpa
4. Nidra
5. smriti

Klesa

1. avidya
2. asmita
3. raga
4. dvesha
5. abhinivesh

64
Chitta Bhumi

1. Ksipta
2. Muddha
3. Viksipta
4. Ekagra
5. Niruddha

Astanga Yoga

1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asan
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi – 1. Conscious
2. Supraconscious

 SPECIAL PURUSA

65
 NYAYA – VAISESIKA
THEORY OF PRAMANA : NYAYA

PRAMANA

1. Pratyaksha (Perception)
2. Anumana (Inference)
3. Upamana(Comparison)
4. Sabda(Testimony)
PERCEPTION

 What
 Process
 Stages
1. Nirvikalpa
2. Savikalpa
Comparative study : western

 Kinds

1. Laukika perception

i Internal
ii External

2. Alaukika perception

i. Samanyalakshana
ii. Jnanalakshan
iii. Yogaja

66
 INFERENCE
 What
Pada– hetu , paksa , sadhya
Vyapti
Pakshadharmata
Paramarsha
 Classification
1 Swarth
Pararth anumana - panchavyavas
2 (i) puravat
(ii) sheshvat
(iii) samanytadrsta
3 On the basis of vyapti
(i) keval anvayi
(ii) keval vyatireki
(iii) Anvaya vyatireki
 Fallacy
 Critical Comment

VAISESIKA

67
 VYAPTI

 What
 3 Pada
 Significance

 Kinds
1) Asam vyapti
2) Sam vyapti

 Methods of establishing
1) Anvaya
2) Vyatireki
3) Vyabhicaragraha
4) Upadhinirasa
5) Trak
6) Samanya lakshan pratyaksha pramana

 Critical comments

68
 HETVABHASA

 What
 Characteristic of valid Hetu
 Kinds
1.Asiddha
ii. Ashrayasiddha
iii. Svarupasiddha
iv. Vyapyatvasiddha

2.Savyabhicara
ii. Sadharan
iii. Asadharan
iv. Anupasamhari
3. Satpratipaksha
4. Badhita
5. Virudha
 Fomal / Material Fallacy ?

69
 CATEGORIES / PADARTH
 What

 Two Classes

A. Bhava / Being
B. Abhava / non-being

Bhava / Being

1. Dravya
2. Guna
3. Karma
4. Vishesha
5. Samanya

a. Class concept, class essence, universal

b. Subsists in
c. Samanya lakshan alaukika perception
d. Buddhist concept of Apoha

6. Samavaya

a. Eternal relation
b. Samyoga and vibhag

 Abhava /Non-Being

7. Abhava

70
 (ii) Negative category
(iii) Non- existence of any thing
(iv) Types

A) Anyonyabhava
B) Samsargabhava

1. Pragabhava
2. Pradhavamsabhava
3. Atyantabhav

 Critical Comment

71
 NYAYATHEOLOGY
 God

 One, infinite,eternal,efficient cause

 Sadaisvarya
 Karmaphaldata

 Proofs for God’s existence

1. Causal arguments
2. Adrsta arguments
3. Authoritativeness of the scriptures
4. Testimony of shruti
5. Dynamism to atoms
6. Numerical concept
7. Support of the world
8. Word-meaning

 Critical comment

72
 MIMANSA

Theory of Knowledge

1. Perception
2. Inference
3. Upamana
4. Shabda
5. Arthaptti (Implications/ Postulation)
6. Anupalabdhi

Validity of Knowledge : Pramanyavada

1. Svatahpramanyavada
2. Paratahpramanyavada

73
 BRAHMAN &MAYA

 Shankaracharya

 “Brahman satyam jagat mithya

Jivo Brahmaiva na parah”

 Brahman

-Indeterminate & non-dual

-Indescribable
-Nirguna
-Sacchidananda
-3 levels of reality
-Trikalabadhita
-Abheda - distinctionless

 Brahman conditioned by maya

 Jagat

 Isvara

 Dualism between Brahman & Atma

 Characteristics of Maya

1. Material and unconscious

2. Maya and Brahman: Tadatmya

74
 3. Dual aspects
4. Indescribable
5. Relative
6. Removable by Right knowledge
7. Adhyasa
8. Ashraya and visaya
 Ramanuja

 Maya
 Avidya
 Refutation (Anupapatti)
1. Ashrayanupapatti
2. Tirodhananupapatti
3. Svarupanupapatti
4. Anirvachaniyatvanupapatti
5. Pramananupapatti
6. Nivartakanupapatti
7. Nivrtyanupapatti

 Evaluation

75
 PLATO : THEORY OF IDEAS

What

 Ideas , Forms , Being

 Explanation through metaphors
- Copy theory
- Participation theory
 Analogy / Allegory of the cave

Basis

 Perceptual v/s Transcendental world

 Dichotomy of existence
 Rational insight
 Validity / Justification

Characteristics

I. Substance
II. Universal
III. Eternal
IV. Simple , pure
V. Supersensible
VI. One , unique , indivisible
VII. Invariable , constant

76
 VIII. Essence
IX. Beyond space and time
X. Hierarchical : Idea of Good

 To know is to be
 Comparative study
 Critical comment

77
 ARISTOTLE
Aristotle aimed at the teleological explanation of the universe .
Herecounciles teleology and the mechanistic explanation given science
through his conception of matter and form which has been deduced
from the analysis of causation .

Four causes

 Material
 Efficient
 Formal
 Final

Form & matter : Actuality & Potentiality

 Form : universal asoect

 Matter : particular aspect
 Inseparable , Relative
 Matter : potentiality
 Form : auctualisation
 Unmoved Mover
 Doctrine of unfoldment
 Comparative study

78
 DESCARTE

 CARTESIAN METHOD
 Purpose
 Mathematical Method
 Four Rules

 CARTESIAN METHOD OF DOUBT

 Deliberate & Universal
 Cogito ergo sum
 I think, therefore, I am
 First self evidenttruth

 Deductions
 Dualism Mind &Body
 External world
 God Exist: Ontological proof
Cosmological proof

Importance

Epistemological approach

Critical comment

79
 SPINOZA

 SUBSTANCE

Geometrical method
Definition& Deductions

1) Substance is one.
2) Infinite & unlimited.
3) Self-determined & self contained
4) Every determination is negation
5) Causa sui, self explanatory
6) Eternal
Implications

 ATTRIBUTES

What are attributes

Infinite attributes
Theory of Parallelism
 MODES
 Descarte & Spinoza
 Spinoza & Leibnitz
 Implications of Geoometrical Method
 CRITICAL COMMENT

80
 LEIBNITZ
 Monads

 Monads are the ultimate substance

 Pluralism as opposed to monism of Spinoza
 Spiritual atoms

 CHARACTERISTICS

1. Eternal
2. Individual
3. Only cogito is the attribute
4. All monads are active
5. Self contained & self determined
6. Infinite
7. Windowless : world in miniature

 Kinds of Monads

1. Sleeping
2. Dreaming
3. Walking

 Principal of continuity
 Activities : Perception
Appetition

 Pre-Established Harmony

81
 LOCKE

 Empiricist

 Theory of “Tabula Rasa”

 Rejection of theory of innate ideas

 Knowledge: Consists of ideas

i simple - types
ii complex - types

 Substance

 Complex idea
 Supposed support of qualities
 I-Know-Not-What

 Primary& Secondary qualities

 Knowledge: Types

 Limitation to our knowledge

 Is Locke a consistent Philosopher ?

82
 BERKELEY

ESSE EST PERCIPI

 ‘To be to perceived’
 Existence implies being perceived

1. Percipi is not personal

2. Perception is not limited to
the present
3. Ultimate perception is in God
4. Theory of Notion
5. Objects confirm knowledge
and knowledge confirm
objects

 Development from Locke

 Doubts answered by Berkeley
 Implications

1. Refutation of materialism
2. subjective idealism
3. Establishing theism

 Critical comment

83
 HUME

 Climax of empiricism

 Analyses the nature of human knowledge & man’s

capacity to achieve it

 Subjects in the mind

1. Impressions: (a) simple (b) complex

2. idea

 Refutation of self / notion of personal identity

 Logical development of empiricist thought

 No self
 ‘Self’ according to Hume
 Comparative study
 Arguments

1. Self is not the subject of perception

2. Self is not absolute
3. Thought experiences itself

 Criticism

1. Merely concretizes psychological

feelings
2. Confuses between the knower& the
known
3. Fails to explain memory
4. Fail to explain the process o0f knowing

84
  Causality

 Refutation of the philosophical

conceptions
 Analyses the basis of causality

1. A-priori reasoning
2. Demonstration
3. sensory experience does not establish
the invariability
4. Not proved by internal experience
5. Relation of antecedent & consequent
6. The basis of causality is habit & custom
7. law of Association

Was Hume skeptic ?

85
 KANT

 Real problem of Kant

 Failure of Empiricism & Rationalism
Kant: “Both are right in what they affirm,
But wrong in what they deny”

 Reconciliation
1. By defining knowledge
2. knowledge formation

 Synthetic a- priori judgment

Knowledge is judgmental & judgements are of two types:
a. Synthetic judgment
b. Analytic judgment

 Synthetic judgment may be:

a. A- posteriori
b. A- priori

So, kant defines knowledge as the system of synthetic a priori

judgments e.g. ‘5+7=12’

‘Every event has a cause’

 Implications
 Comment

 “ All our knowledge begins with senses ,

proceeds to understanding and ends with
reason”

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 Three levels –

ii. Level of sensibility

1. Discreet sensations
2. Space & Time
iii. Level of understanding
1. 12 categories
2. Knowledge proper
iv. Level of reason
1. 3 ideas of reason
2. Pseudo knowledge / illusions

Comparative study : Perception of Nyaya-Vaisesika

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 IDEAS OF REASON

 Reason
 Three ideas of Reason
 Regulative but not constitutive of knowledge
 Paralogisms
 Antinomies

 World: the ultimate Reality

 Phenomena-Noumena
 4 antinomies – thesis& antithesis
 Function / Significance

 Ideal of pure reason

 Significance/functions of the ideas of Reason

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HEGEL: DIALECTICAL METHOD
 What

 Absolute idea
 The Ultimate reality
 Dynamic
 Dialectical evolution

 Principal of Negation

 Characteristic
1. Triad
2. Rational
3. Automatic
4. continuous
5. Nothing is lost
6. Universal

 Absolute idealism

 Objective idealism

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MOORE: REFUTATION OF IDEALISM
 Realist
 Defence of commonsense philosopher
 Refutation of Idealism
1. Analytic or logical method

 Percipi
 Est
 Esse est percipi:

1. That existence of a thing is its sense perception

2. That existence is one of the basic quality of
perception
3. That existence is an inference form the fact of
perception

2. Metaphysical arguments

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 LOGICAL ATOMISM

 What
- Philosophical method to
discoverfundamental elements
- Logical analysis
 Logical atom
 Comparative study
 Facts
- Negative & Positive
- Particular & Universal
- Simple & Universal

 Propositions
- Atomic
- Molecular
- Truthful functions of molecular
proposition
 Symbols
- Complex
- Incomplete symbols
 Logical Construction

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THEORY OF PERSON : STRAWSON

 Linguistic philosopher
 Basic Particular
 Rejects
1. No-ownership
Theory
2. Ownership Theory

 Theory
 Concept of person
 Basic particular
 Union of Body &
Mi
nd

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LOGICAL POSITIVISTS

 Recent trend

 Two Aspects
1. Positive
2. Negative

 Aims
1. No speculation
2. No metaphysics
3. Evaluating scientific assertion

 Elimination of Metaphysics , verification

principle

 Wittgenstein
 Pseudo-proposition
 Devoid of objective reference
 Not based upon internal experience

 Rudolf Carnap
 Devoid of any meaningor sense
 Pseudo concepts
 Not based on experience of
highly
spiritual persons
 A . J. Ayer

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 PHENOMENOLOGY: E. HUSSERL

 What
 A priori investigation
 Primitive outlook
 Phenomenological reduction

 Chief Characteristic

 Method

 Rigorous science
 Two basic internal moments
i. Epochy
ii. Reduction proper
-Psychological Reduction
-EideticRedution
-Transcendental
Reduction

 Phenomena

 Doctrine of intentionality

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